Project description:This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSE) of the European hornet (EH) Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between stinging females, gynes (G) and workers (W), at the protein level. Using a quantitative “Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra” (SWATH-MS) analysis, we identified and quantified a total of 240 proteins. Notably, within the group, 45.8 % (n = 110) showed significant differential expression between VSE-G and VSE-W. In this set, 57.3 % (n = 63) were upregulated and 42.7 % (n = 47) downregulated in the G. Additionally, the 200 quantified proteins from the class Insecta belong to 16 different species, six of them to he Hymenoptera/Apidae lineage, comprising seven proteins with known potential as allergens. Phospholipase A1 (Vesp v 1), phospholipase A1 verutoxin 2b (VT-2b), hyaluronidase A (Vesp v 2A), hyaluronidase B (Vesp v 2B), and venom allergen 5 (Vesp v 5) were significantly downregulated in the G, and vitellogenin (Ves v 6) was upregulated. Overall, 46 % of the VSE proteins showed differential expression, with a majority being upregulated in G. These findings shed light on the proteomic differences in VSE between EH castes, potentially contributing to our understanding of their behavior and offering insights for allergy research.
Project description:(1)Background: Dipeptidyl Peptidases IV (DPPIVs), present in many organisms, are minor components in the venoms of Hymenoptera, where they have been shown as cross-reactive allergenic molecules. Since the structure of homologous DPPIVs is well characterized, we explain which regions have higher similarity among these proteins and present a comparison including a new Vespa velutina DPPIV sequence. Moreover, two cases of sensitization to DPPIV in wasps- and honeybees-sensitized patients are presented. (2) Methods: Proteomic analyses have been performed on the venom of the Asian Hornet V.velutina, in order to demonstrate the sequence of its DPPIV (putative allergen Vesp v 3). Comparison by alignments and analysis of the three-dimensional structure allow to show a region with higher similarity among Hymenoptera DPPIVs. Besides, ImmunoCAP™ determinations (including specific inhibition experiments), as well as IgE-immunoblotting, demonstrate the presence of Api m 5 and Ves v 3. (3) Results and conclusions: The data presented explain that the similarities among Hymenoptera DPPIVs are most probably localized at the C-terminal region of these enzymes. The clinical cases analyzed demonstrate the presence of this minor component in the preparations used in venom immunotherapy. Moreover, a new DPPIV sequence is published (Accession Number P0DRB8).
Project description:Apis mellifera syriaca is the native honeybee subspecies of Jordan and much of the Middle East. It expresses behavioral adaptations to a regional climate with very high temperatures, nectar dearth in summer, attacks of the Oriental wasp Vespa orientalis and in most cases it is resistant to varroa mites. The Thorax control sample of A. m. syriaca in this experiment was originally collected and stored since 2001 from Wadi Ben Hammad a remote valley in the southern region of Jordan. Using morphometric and Mitochondrial DNA markers it was proved that bees from this area had show higher similarity than other samples collected from the Middle East as represented by reference samples collected in 1952 by Brother Adam. The samples L1-L5 are collected from the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension breading apiary which was originally established for the conservation of Apis mellifera syriaca. Goal was to use the genetic information in the breeding for varroa resistant bees and to determine the successfulness of this conservation program. Project funded by USAID-MERC grant number: TA-MOU-09-M29-075.
Project description:The project aims at unraveling the venom repertoire of the lesser banded hornet (Vespa affinis) and investigate the regimes of natural selection underpinning their venom evolution. The study also sheds light on the clinical repercussions of the V. affinis venom.
Project description:Insights into the prey of Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Washington state, obtained from metabarcoding of larval feces